Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Cream the butter and sugar in an electric mixer or with a handheld electric whisk until pale, light and fluffy - about 2-3 minutes. Gradually, add the eggs, mixing well between each addition and occasionally scraping down the bowl with a spatula.

Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift together the flour and baking powder and add to the cake mixture in two batches, mixing until smooth. Add the milk and mix until smooth. Continue as instructed in the relevant cake recipe.

Chocolate sponge

Substitute 4 tablespoons of plain flour in the extra large mixture for cocoa, 3 tablespoons in the large, 2 in the medium and 1 in the small.

Buttercream

350g unsalted butter, at room temperature

700g icing sugar, sifted

Vanilla extract, optional

Cream the butter in an electric mixer until really soft. Gradually beat in the icing sugar until smooth. Add a few drops of vanilla extract, if using.

CHEAT'S TIP

If you don’t have the time, or the patience, to bake your child’s cake, visit www.squires-group.com. You’ll find everything from marzipan Disney figures and novelty candles to sugar animals and flowers.